May in Powys: A Page-Turner, a Punchline, and a Perfect Day Out

From belly laughs to book talks, artisan eats to epic walks, this month is bursting with opportunities to experience the best of Mid Wales. 

The hills are alive with the sound of music (and some serious laughter), the air smells like endless possibility (and the irresistible aroma of Welsh street food!), and the Pimm’s is chilling, ready to go. 

The calendar is packed with exciting events that will have you exploring every corner of this county and nearly every type of event you can imagine. 

Whether you’re up for a comedy festival, some outdoor exploration, or diving into the pages of a good book, Powys has something for everyone this May. 

Here’s some of what’s on and why you absolutely shouldn’t miss it:

Machynlleth Comedy Festival

📍 Machynlleth | 🗓 May 2–4

Laughter rings through the streets as we kick off the month with one of Wales’ most loved festivals. Machynlleth transforms into a comedy playground with top comedians, quirky venues, and a village atmosphere like no other. Think intimate gigs, big laughs, and pizza in the town square.

Pure joy.

 Talgarth Walking Festival

📍 Talgarth | 🗓 May 2–5

Are your boots made for walking? Because that’s just what they’ll do! The Talgarth Walking Festival offers guided routes through the glorious Black Mountains, waterfalls, and heritage trails. From gentle strolls to challenging treks, it’s the perfect way to discover the beauty and stories of this historic market town.

 Presteigne Springboard Festival

📍 Presteigne | 🗓 May 10–11

A celebration of music, arts, and community spirit, Springboard Festival brings Presteigne to life with a weekend of live music, local food, pop-up events, and family-friendly fun. It’s grassroots, welcoming, and packed with local talent

—just the way we like it.

 Royal Welsh Spring Festival

📍 Llanelwedd, Builth Wells | 🗓 May 17–18 A true celebration of rural life. Expect smallholding showcases, livestock and equine competitions, over 200 tradestands, workshops, and food galore. Whether you're a gardening guru, an animal lover, or just here for the food, this festival is a countryside classic.

Hay Festival

📍 Hay-on-Wye | 🗓 May 22–June 1 Books, big ideas, and riverside charm. Hay Festival brings together the world’s greatest thinkers, writers, and artists in one iconic little town. It’s 10 days of inspiration, conversation, live music, and maybe even a signed copy of your favourite author’s new release.

Newtown 10K Race

📍 Newtown | 🗓 May 25

Lace up and hit the scenic streets of Newtown for this  10K race. Open to runners of all abilities, it’s a well-organised, chip-timed event with cheering crowds and a great atmosphere. Whether you’re chasing a PB or just love a fun run, it’s a May must-do.

And that’s not all...

Keep your eyes peeled for surprise food pop-ups, farmers’ markets, quirky pub gigs, art trails, and even a tractor run or two. 

Check out our events page : www.midwalesmyway/events

📸 Don’t forget to tag your adventures with #MidWalesMyWay or #DiscoverPowys—we’d love to see where the month takes you!